Many of Colorado’s elected leaders will return to work next week and, much like on opening day in baseball, hope springs eternal.

It’s a new year, a new legislature, a new governor and a new Congress.

Democrats will have a little more spring in their step as they return to power in greater numbers this year and with a friendlier face in the governor’s office. But Republicans, itching to regain their long-held majorities, also will have an important role to play.

Here are 10 politicians from the municipal, state and federal level to watch in the new year:

10. State Rep. Rob Witwer: A moderate Republican who likes to forge his own path, Witwer could have a great deal of success if he’s able to work with Democrats.

9. State Rep. Cory Gardner: The Wray Republican, who some consider a future candidate for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, will propose saving the extra money collected over Referendum C’s projections, up to $2 billion, earning plaudits from fiscal conservatives. If Gardner can be an effective voice for minority Republicans, he’ll have a bright future.

8. State Rep. Cheri Jahn: The Jeffco Democrat raised thousands for pro-business Democrats this year. She could make a name for herself if she emerges as the House Democrat who shields Gov.-elect Bill Ritter from anti-business bills.

7. U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar: With the “Gang of 14” Senate moderates whittled down after November’s elections, Salazar’s national profile should continue to rise. A darling of party strategists because of his centrist values, the Democrat recently was named to the Senate’s powerful Finance Committee – quite a coup for a freshman senator who just two years ago ranked dead last in seniority.

6. (tie) House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald: The Democrats’ “dynamic duo” will again share the spotlight this session, but their task is even more difficult now. The pair must try to appease their party’s traditional base, including labor unions, without offering up legislation that drives an early wedge between the Democrat-controlled legislature and “new Democrat” Ritter. It’s not always one big party when one party controls the legislature and the governor’s mansion.

4. Secretary of State-elect Mike Coffman: The election left Republicans without a so-called titular head of the party. Will it be Coffman or Attorney General John Suthers? Coffman seems more likely to accept the mantle, but it will be interesting to watch how he handles it since he’ll occupy a job some say should be non-partisan.

3. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper: Are there enough sledding hills and hot cocoa in Denver for the mayor to dig out from underneath two huge winter storms that paralyzed the city and tarnished his golden-boy image? Probably so. The forecast for his re-election is still mostly sunny. His recovery will be closely watched by other big-city mayors.

2. U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard: He’s expected to announce soon if he’ll seek a third term. If he decides not to run, it could have huge implications for Colorado politics and the national political scene. With Democrats holding only a slim majority in the U.S. Senate, many of his party mates want him to run so it’s not an open seat in 2008. Either way, it will be considered one of the nation’s hottest races. (Bonus: Watch U.S. Rep. Mark Udall this year, too. He’s already announced he’s in the race so he’ll be trying to raise his profile statewide while also avoiding hugely contentious legislation.)

1. Gov.-elect Bill Ritter: A district attorney for nearly 12 years, Ritter has never been a chief executive. So far he’s surrounded himself with an able cast, which should make for a smooth transition. National Democrats will keep a close eye on Ritter, too, hoping to emulate his successes in other parts of the country.

Who do you think should be on this list, and why? Go to the Haley’s Comment blog at denverpostbloghouse.com/haley today and sound off.